exhaust bellows holes

[rebars1]

I'm restoring a 1971 Trisonic, Ford 302 v8 188hp, R (?) outdrive. I was doing a warm-up on muffs in th driveway before taking it to the lake and noticed two small holes in the lower bellows (exhaust) between the transome and outdrive. The bellows had looked to be in good condition, maybe a couple of years old, according to the guy I bought it from, but when I raised the outdrive up for trailering, I saw the holes. They are in the lower folds toward the bottom on either side of center. Will water get in the boat or should I replace the bellows. How long do they last?

 

[Rickles]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

No, water won't get into the boat.The bellows are under water when you're idleing and above water when on plane.Do the holes look like something rubbed a hole,or is it a burn hole from hot exhaust?Or did a muskrat get to it?What is the eng. temp running at?They usually last a long time.If it got hot i'd pull the drive and replace the water pump impeller.that should be changed every 2years.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

Some of the newer exhaust manifolds, like the one on my OMC, have slits all along the bottom of the bellows to let the water out when sitting.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

No big deal if it is the exhaust bellows.Take a good look at the main bellows and make sure thats not cracked.The main one is thge one that can sink you and if it doesent sink you it will cause you a lot of greif.Charlie

 

[rebars1]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

I tried it out today on a lake. I did not seem to take on water while under way. However, after turning it off, water began dripping inside the transom on the starboard side near where the y pipes connnect. I could not see exactly where the water was comming in. Is this a different problem or could the holes in the exhaust bellows let water come inside the boat through the y pipes? Or is this water draining from the engine and finding a hole?

 

[Rickles]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

You better check your u-joint bellows real close.You may be in for some serious trouble if you don't.The shift cable clamp could be the culprit.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

It cant be coming from the exhause bellows but it can be coming from either the main drive shaft bellows or the shift cable bellows or the intake hose.Either way it requires a closer look.The water intrusion can cause all kinds of damage that you dont need.When 1 bellows has holes it indicates the condition of the others.If you procrastinate you may be sorry.Charlie

 

[rebars1]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

I just noticed that the shift cable bellows has a clamp at the large end but not at the small end. Are there supposed to be two clamps? If so can I install the smaller clamp without removing the outdrive?

 

[Trent]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

Yes both ends require a clamp. Who ever installed the last shift cable boot probably did not know how to install the "special clamp" that comes with the kit. You can just put a "worm clamp" on it. Make sure to position it so it does not rub anything.

 

[rebars1]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

Trent: I picked up the special clamp. Do you just use regular plyers to squeeze it, does it hold the shape? <br /><br />I got a worm type also, but I'm not sure there is room for it.<br /><br />I've been strugging with a water leak on the starboard side near the Y pipes but can't see the exact location due to stuff in the way. Could water get in through the shift cable boot without the clamp?

 

[douglas nc]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

yes.. it happened to me.use the clamp and put some bellows glue on the ends to be sure,sounds like where i was taking on water also, and it was comming in from my shifter bellow. sounded like someone peeing back there...lol good luck!

 

[rebars1]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

Douglas nc: Thanks for the input. Yeah, I got the "peeing" sound. I'll try the clamp, but I think the leak may be from the Y pipes

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: exhaust bellows holes

If you can't get the Clamps on, use a plastic wire tie, you can pull them tight and snip off the excess, I did this in a pinch when a cable bellow clamp came off my Alpha one, it lasted as long as the bellow.